Yaki Curry - Japanese Baked Curry
Easy Yaki Curry (Japanese Baked Curry Rice with Egg and Cheese)
Looking for a cozy Japanese comfort food recipe?
This Yaki Curry, a baked Japanese curry rice topped with a gooey egg and bubbling cheese, is your answer. It's incredibly simple to make at home, yet packed with flavor and heartwarming nostalgia.
We first discovered Yaki Curry during our 2022 road trip across Kyushu, Japan. Our final stop was Mojiko, a charming port town in Kitakyushu City, where Yaki Curry is a beloved local specialty. At first glance, it looked like your typical gratin, but one bite in, and we were hooked by the comforting mix of savory curry, soft egg, and melted cheese—all layered over warm rice. It was love at first spoonful.
Now, I make this Japanese Baked Curry Rice dish at home whenever I have leftover curry. It's a quick 20 minute meal that feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why You'll Love This Baked Japanese Curry Recipe
Quick and easy – Only 20 minutes from prep to plate
Kid-friendly and satisfying
Great way to use up leftovers
Cozy and comforting, with minimal effort
RECIPE
Servings: 1 medium ramekin or small gratin pan
Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a medium ramekin or small gratin dish.
Layer the rice at the bottom of the dish, pressing it in evenly.
Pour the curry on top of the rice, spreading it evenly to cover.
Crack an egg into the center of the curry.
Top with cheese, generously covering the surface.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the egg is cooked to your liking.
You can bake a little longer if you prefer a fully set egg.
Serve hot. Sprinkle chopped parsley Mix the soft egg and melty cheese into the curry rice and enjoy every bite!
Historical Influences from Mojiko:
Mojiko is a charming port town with a rich history of trade and cultural exchange. Situated in the northern part of Kyushu, Mojiko was once a bustling hub for international commerce, connecting Japan with other Asian countries. It is within this vibrant cultural melting pot that Yaki Curry found its roots and flourished.
Yaki Curry's origins can be traced back to the 19th century when British traders introduced Indian curry to Japan. This exotic and aromatic spice blend captivated the taste buds of Japanese locals, and chefs across the country began experimenting with curry, infusing it with their own unique flavors and techniques.
It was in Mojiko, a gateway to the world, that the distinctive Yaki Curry emerged. A local café transformed leftover curry into a culinary masterpiece. They ingeniously realized that by combining the remaining curry with rice and cheese in a gratin pan. The result was an incredibly delicious dish that captivated everyone who tasted it.
